Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been overshadowed by concerns regarding his age and adaptation to the new team. Turning 40 in January, the seven-time World Champion has encountered difficulties settling into Ferrari, with a rocky start reflecting in mixed performances and internal pressures.
Despite his outstanding career, boasting seven championships and 105 victories, Hamilton has managed only two wins since the 2022 season began. Tensions with new race engineer Riccardo Adami have also been evident, highlighting a challenging transition period.
Comparing Hamilton and Leclerc’s 2025 Performance
The 2025 season has seen a sharp contrast between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, particularly in qualifying and race results. Hamilton has openly admitted that his experience at Ferrari has been tougher than anticipated, describing it as
“not at all what I expected”
with the environment being
“more intense in so many areas.”
Such candor offers insight into the pressures Hamilton faces competing alongside Leclerc, who has become a benchmark driver within the team and sport.
Expert Views on Hamilton’s Performance and Age Factor
Anthony Davidson, former Formula 1 driver and Sky F1 analyst, has weighed in on Hamilton’s struggles, linking them closely to the driver’s age and adaptation to recent technical changes in F1. Davidson pointed out that Hamilton
“has never been the same driver”
since the introduction of ground-effect regulations in 2022.
He added that age inevitably influences athletic performance over time. Reflecting on his own career, Davidson remarked,
“You start asking yourself questions. It’s only natural.”
His insights recognize the complexity Hamilton faces balancing the relentless demands within Ferrari’s high-pressure environment.
Davidson elaborated on Ferrari’s unique dynamics, emphasizing the intense expectations surrounding the Italian team, saying,
“There’s a high expectation on the Italian national team to perform and the request of the standards are incredibly high.”
The combined pressure of Ferrari’s legacy and Hamilton’s status as a seven-time World Champion generates formidable challenges.
Furthermore, Davidson noted the technical hurdles Hamilton must overcome due to rapid changes in car specifications and race conditions, contributing to the driver’s need to constantly adjust his driving style.
Hamilton Embraces Leadership Role to Revive Ferrari Prospects
Amidst the on-track difficulties, Hamilton is actively working to carve out a leadership role within Ferrari. He has conducted multiple meetings with senior management and submitted detailed proposals aiming to enhance team operations and car performance.
At the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton shared with media outlets that his intense dedication stems from a desire not to repeat the fate of other champions like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who could not secure titles at Ferrari. He stated:
“The reason for it is that I see a huge amount of potential within this team. The passion? Nothing comes close to that.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
He recognizes Ferrari as a vast organization with many moving parts, some of which are not yet performing optimally. This drives his effort to challenge all decision-makers and improve every area of the team.
Hamilton reflected on Ferrari’s history, mentioning past World Champions such as Kimi Räikkönen, Alonso, and Vettel who, despite their success, failed to win world titles while at Ferrari. He emphasized:
“And I refuse for that to be the case with me, so I’m going the extra mile.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
This determination accompanies his belief that change and challenging existing methods are necessary to unlock future success. His efforts have reportedly been met with responsiveness within the team, and improvements are underway in multiple facets including marketing and engineering.
Hamilton’s Vision for Ferrari’s Future Success
Looking ahead, Hamilton is focused on harnessing Ferrari’s untapped potential to secure multiple World Championships. He has communicated his sense of urgency, referencing his limited time remaining at the highest competitive level, encapsulated in his remark, “it’s crunch time.”
Regarding Ferrari’s legacy and aspirations, Hamilton stated:
“They already have an amazing legacy, but during my time that’s my sole goal.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
This goal highlights his commitment to leaving a lasting mark on Ferrari’s history by translating the team’s current passion into tangible victories.
Significance of Hamilton’s Challenges and What Lies Ahead
Hamilton’s struggles with his Ferrari debut season underline the complexities of aging within a highly competitive sport undergoing rapid technological shifts. The combination of physical demands, adaptation to new car dynamics, and intense team expectations tests even the most accomplished drivers.
His proactive approach to leadership and willingness to push Ferrari beyond established boundaries indicate a strategic effort not only to improve current results but also to influence the team’s long-term trajectory. Hamilton’s experience and motivation could prove pivotal in shaping Ferrari’s performance in the seasons ahead, particularly as F1 continues evolving.
The ongoing head-to-head battles against Charles Leclerc will remain a key factor to watch this season, as will Hamilton’s ability to maintain peak performance amidst the pressures of age and team transitions. How Ferrari leverages Hamilton’s veteran insights alongside Leclerc’s emerging talent will likely determine their prospects in the 2025 championship race and beyond.